“All our family continues to rehash this trip of a lifetime. We met so many kind, wonderful people and we thank Sikeleli for putting us in the right places at the right times in the right settings.
We didn’t expect that traveling with our family of 25 would be easy but Sikeleli made our trip a dream come true. We were met at every airport by greeters and porters to help with our luggage and transportation. Every detail was meticulously thought out and managed by very friendly and helpful staff. If we ever had any questions before or after our trip began, Fungai, our contact, was always available to answer our questions and help us with any change of plans. We were amazed at how efficient and accommodating she always was. We could not have been in better hands!
All of our accommodations were exceptional. The Pearl Valley Golf Resort was lovely and the golfers in the group really enjoyed the golf course. We had a late arrival to the resort on our first night and the restaurant that usually closes at 8:00 stayed open so that we might have dinner after a long day of travel. All the staff were great.
Our next stay was at the Pineapple House in Cape Town. We loved it! The rooms were so comfortable and the fireplaces were always lit which made everything cozy. Each morning there were cooks preparing delicious breakfasts and the nicest helpers serving the food and taking care of us. There was even a small swimming pool that the grandchildren enjoyed. The house is located just a few blocks from the waterfront and has access to many good restaurants. I could definitely enjoy staying there again.
Our safari began at the Marataba Lodge in the Marakele National Park. What an adventure!. We were greeted by our hosts Surprise and Georgina and were made to feel so welcome by them and all the staff. Our tents were luxurious, complete with luxury linens and towels, private bathrooms and showers. The grandchildren were so happy with the kids’ camp that they attended between the safari rides. There was also a large swimming pool to use between the rides or you could schedule a facial or full body massage right on your tent deck.
The safari guides Chanel, Jacks and Robin did a great job helping us to see the big 7 animals. Between the safari rides we had the best breakfasts, lunches, teas and dinners. Thank you Sikeleli for finding Marataba Safari Lodge for our family!
Our final accommodations were at the Palm Hotel in Zimbabwe so that we could visit Victoria Falls. This is where we got to meet the indomitable Fungai face to face. She is truly special! The hotel, which is beautiful, is situated on the Zambezi River. In the evening , it wasn’t unusual to see hippos, warthogs and water buffalo walking on the perimeter of the hotel property. Again, the food was plentiful and very good and there was a large swimming pool that our grandchildren used a lot. This was our starting point as we traveled to Victoria Falls and Botswana for a one day safari. Our bus driver and “guardian” Michael Ncube was the best! Our family loved him.”
